Memorial Day and Veterans Day

These two days are often confused by many Americans. The objective of this page is to differentiate these two important holidays so that Augusta's citizens can ensure that the proper thanks is given at the appropriate time...

Augusta will post notices about city-sponsored observances of Memorial Day and Veterans Day. You can receive notices via text or email by subscribing to the Augusta News Flash on our "Notify Me" page.

Memorial Day

Memorial Day, which is observed on the last Monday in May of each year, honors the men and women who have died while in the service of the United States. It was originally observed after the Civil War and was known as Decoration Day.

See the History Channel's perspective on Memorial Day at this link: Memorial Day

Veterans Day

Veterans Day is observed on November 11 of each year, honors the dedication and sacrifice of American Veterans of all ways.
History.com provides the following description of the origin of Veterans Day:

"On the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918, an armistice, or temporary cessation of hostilities, was declared between the Allied nations and Germany in the First World War, then known as “the Great War.” Commemorated as Armistice Day beginning the following year, November 11th became a legal federal holiday in the United States in 1938. In the aftermath of World War II and the Korean War, Armistice Day became Veterans Day, a holiday dedicated to American veterans of all wars."

See the History Channel's perspective on Veterans Day at this link: Veterans Day